Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru

Day 2: Lima | Cliffside Metropolis

Spend the day exploring this historic city known for its
remarkable culinary scene. Take a market tour of Mercado de
San Isidro, talking with vendors and learning about Peruvian
food culture, before exploring the Bohemian neighborhood of
Barranco with its tiny galleries and eclectic museums. Visit the
famous Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), then venture
downtown to see the Main Plaza, Cathedral and Casa Aliaga.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the illuminated Incan ruins
of Huaca Pucllana.

Day 3: Iquitos | Board ‘Amazon Discovery’

After a morning at leisure, depart for the airport and your flight to Iquitos, the largest river city in the Peruvian rainforest. Upon arrival, transfer to the Itaya River port to board ‘Amazon Discovery,’ your river cruiser for the next six nights.

Day 4: Cruising the Amazon | Monkey Island & Bora People

Awaken to the songs of birds and distinct calls from Monkey
Island, home to eight species of endangered monkeys, like the
dusky titis and petite tamarins. Reach the protected island by
skiff and meet with conservationists who are working to save
monkeys that were orphaned or captured for trade. Back on
board, enjoy lunch and perhaps a refreshing Pisco Sour as you
cruise to the Momon tributary and where, this afternoon, you
visit the indigenous Bora tribe. Originally from Colombia’s
upper Putumayo, the Bora were drawn here by the great rubber
boom; today, they still maintain their unique customs, such as
painting their bodies with a stylized snake pattern. After coming
ashore, meet with the villagers, visit their maloca (ceremonial
lodge), and witness an exhilarating, stick-thumping, traditional
dance performance.

Day 5: Cruising the Amazon | In Search of Pink Dolphins

This morning, cruise to the Tahuayo River, a tributary of the
Amazon, in search of the exotic pink river dolphin. We sail
to a favorite feeding ground for a likely encounter with these
intelligent, freshwater creatures. A “black water” river, the
Tahuayo gets its color from tannins that leach into the water from the forest soil. Dare to take a refreshing swim in these
pristine, unique waters before returning to your ship. Later,
explore the dynamic, tropical shores and creeks of the Yarapa,
another tributary of the Amazon where small monkeys, birds
and iguanas may greet you.

Day 6: Cruising the Amazon | Headwaters of the Amazon

Wake this morning at the confluence of the Ucayali and
Marañon rivers, birthplace of the epic Amazon. Set off on short
skiff rides to Piranha Caño or Marayali Caño to witness the
early morning hustle of local wildlife. After breakfast on board,
visit San Francisco Village, where your luxury vessel is met
by the local children of the Shipbo community. Accompanied
by your local A&K tour guide — and the children — enjoy the
opportunity to visit their homes and schools as they eagerly
share their crafts and stories with you. After a break and lunch
on board, take a casual jungle hike through a terra firme (solid
ground) forest, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems
on earth. Pass through a classic tropical rainforest where
emergent trees are shrouded by 180-foot canopy trees, such as
the giant kapok. Your expert guide points out these and other
remarkable jungle features, including local medicinal plants and
bluish-fronted jacamar, colorful birds that are seen only in pairs.

Day 7: Cruising the Amazon | Pacaya Samiria Reserve

Today, ride a skiff deep into the rainforest and the Yana Yacu
Pucate River, a protected area within the spectacular, five-million acre Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The beauty of the tropics
explodes here: Spot pink and grey dolphins in the black waters,
“laughing” falcons and noisy howler monkeys above, and
vibrant butterflies and dragonflies up close. After lunch, cruise
along the shores of Nauta Caño, watching for wildlife across its
marshes and oxbows. Things get exciting quickly when you set
off on a skiff to a hidden lake for a piranha fishing adventure.
At twilight, witness the second installment of a more boisterous
jungle symphony. Armed with powerful spotlights, embark on
a night safari in search of night herons, pauraques, spectacled
owls, many species of croaking frogs, and fish bats flying over
the water scooping up fish. Your guide also points out spectacled and black caimans, which patrol the dark waters. Back on ‘Amazon Discovery,’ toast to a spectacular day over a traditional Peruvian dinner.

Day 8: Cruising the Amazon | Santa Ana Village

After breakfast, sail up another tributary to visit the local
community of Santa Ana Village. Native beliefs are joyfully
expressed in an enchanting dance performance given by the
children, with music provided by their parents. Rather than
give money, show appreciation by shopping for handmade arts
and crafts at their local market. Back on the ship, relax and
absorb the lush scenery as you sail toward the city of Iquitos.
The world’s largest city unreachable by road, Iquitos was once
a magnet for the “Rubber Barons” of the 20th century who
exploited the region and its people. Disembark for a farewell dinner at Al Frio y al Fuego, a whimsical, floating restaurant in the middle of the Itaya River that offers delicious local cuisine.